Ardmore Traditional Cask Debuts

Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., a global leader in premium spirits, announces the U.S. launch of Ardmore™ Traditional Cask, the first single malt Scotch whisky from the Ardmore distillery to be widely available in the United States. Ardmore Traditional Cask offers whisky aficionados a Highland malt flavor with a twist, as it is the only Highland single malt whisky to be 100% peated since its inception in 1898. With its rarity, only 3,000 cases (9L cases) of Ardmore Traditional Cask have been produced for the U.S. market and will be available beginning in March 2008.

“The fully-peated Ardmore Traditional Cask offers the rich, sweet signature flavor profile of traditional Highland malts, but with smoky peat undertones typically reserved for Islay whiskies,” said Alistair Longwell, distillery manager, Ardmore distillery. “TThe careful quarter cask production process – which the Ardmore Distillery is only the second to employ – results in a whisky that beautifully combines the unique flavors of smoke, vanilla and sweet, ripe fruit.”

Ardmore Traditional Cask is produced in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, at the Ardmore distillery, which was first established in 1898 by Adam Teacher. Today, the facility is best known for its contributions to the internationally renowned Teacher’s® Highland Cream Blended Scotch whisky, for which Ardmore serves as the fingerprint malt.

Peated at 12-15 parts per million, Ardmore Traditional Cask is considered lightly peated compared to many of the malts from Islay. Mainland Scottish peating also creates a different flavor than that found on Islay; it is less salty and softer. Ardmore is then double matured adding to its unique flavor profile. First matured in ex-bourbon barrels, the spirit receives its second maturation in handmade 110L quarter casks, and is one of only two single malt brands to use quarter casks in the maturation stage. When combined with Ardmore’s full, but relatively light peating, this second maturation creates an extraordinary malt whisky, having a well-rounded flavor with a unique peat-smoke richness, softened by a delicate sweetness.

“The taste and flavor created by the unique quarter cask maturation process are sensational,” said Simon Brooking, Scotch Malt Master Ambassador. “Ardmore captivates the senses and delivers a refined, one-of-a-kind taste that Scotch connoisseurs will cherish and spirits explorers need to discover.”

At bottle strength, the intense flavors burst and fill the mouth with a creamy peat tang and a touch of vanilla’s gentleness. The full-bodied smoothness of Ardmore can be appreciated best at a bottling strength of 92 proof, but also is enjoyed with water or over ice. The finish is full, succulent and long. Ardmore Traditional Cask has a definitive character and flavor profile making it an ideal step up for those seeking to break away from the taste of traditional Scotch whiskies.

Priced at approximately $45-50 per 750ml bottle (varies by market), Ardmore Traditional Cask is a luxury spirit for those who appreciate the qualities of extraordinary whisky.

About Beam Global Spirits and Wine
Inspiring conversations around the world, Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Inc., is building brands people want to talk about. Consumers from all corners of the globe call for our brands, including Jim Beam® Bourbon, Sauza® Tequila, Canadian Club® Whisky, Courvoisier® Cognac, Maker’s Mark® Bourbon, Laphroaig® Scotch Whisky, Larios® Gin, Whisky DYC®, Teacher’s® Scotch Whisky, DeKuyper® Cordials and Liqueurs, Knob Creek® Bourbon and Starbucks™ Liqueurs. Beam Global Spirits & Wine is part of Fortune Brands, Inc. (NYSE:FO), a leading consumer brands company with annual sales exceeding $8 billion. For more information on Beam Global Spirits & Wine, its brands, and its commitment to social responsibility, please visit www.beamglobal.com and www.drinksmart.com.